Brighton and Hove Albion at Deepdale 5/3/2016

**themaclad** · 03-03-2016, 16:31

Albion arrive at Deepdale in prime form having won their last two games 4-0, one at Bristol City and the other against Leeds although it has to be said that Leeds seemed to have, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, David Blunkett and Jeff Healey in their back four. (YOU may have to google Healey)
Leeds were shocking but you can only beat what is in front of them and this is what Albion did. Having seen the match down their was not over impressed with them in fact thought we should have won that day. However their bad run is over and Albion seem to be getting close to their best again although did get thumped 4-1 at Cardiff a couple of weeks ago. Hughton seems to have pulled a rabbit out of the hat by signing Knockheart although should keep him away from last minute penalties. Two highly influential Israeli internationals in their squad Hemed and Kayal, the highly rated Stephens and that Zamora bloke who we have a bit of history with, they have also signed Steve Sidwell on loan not a bad signing to say the least. So a tough one for North End.
The players still think we have a chance of the play offs so maybe it's time to be bold at home and go for the kill instead of the narrow one goal victories, hopefully 442 this week, no news on Beckford, Grimshaw, both must be getting close to fitness however getting information about injured players at North End is non existent. Gallagher still awaiting a hernia operation and as we have three games in the next seven days expect him to play in this but not the other two, but there again what do I know absolutely zip.
One piece of information though sounds like Brownhill will be signing a new contract.

**St Charles Owl** · 03-03-2016, 18:18

After their unbeaten start to the season just about everyone thought they would drop off at some point and once they lost, just like buses, a few losses came along all at once!! Everyone now thought they would drop out of the playoffs and they almost did, but a couple of key signings and getting a couple back from injury has seen them find probably their best run of form of the season and they are right back in the mix for the top 2 places and nailed on for at least the playoffs.

Going to be another tough game for you, its not a must win but if you want to keep up with the playoff pack then your home games are the ones you have to win!! At the moment you are in a bit of no mans land, 3 point gap above, 4 point gap below and the next 2 or 3 games will decide whether you are the best of the midtable teams or back in the playoff picture!! Tough one to call, but in our prediction league (something you would be welcome to join next season!!) I have gone for a 2-1 Seagulls win, sorry!!

**themaclad** · 03-03-2016, 19:18

No problems about your prediction SCO only just realised that you were doing one on this forum always good bit of fun, will have a bash next season

**themaclad** · (This post was last modified: 05-03-2016, 21:11 by themaclad.)

The words Brighton win at Deepdale have never been heard, the clubs first met in the league in 1908 and Albion have still to register their first victory at North End's home. Including today it is now five visits since they scored at Deepdale although they got two today but both were disallowed.
Although goalless this was far from dull, both teams gave as good as they got with North End probably deserving to win but neither side overly troubled the opposite keeper. An early Reach effort went narrowly wide for the home side before Brighton took and early grip on the game with Murphy firing narrowly over the top before a Knockaert free kick troubled the Albion fans behind the net. Once North End upped their tempo it looked a better game, North End probably should have done better when Browne won the ball in midfield, advanced towards the edge of the Albion fed the ball to Woods who dallied too long on the ball and the chance was lost, North End had to be wary Albion played some neat football but just lacked a cutting edge in front of goal. The game started to simmer away thanks to some odd refereeing by Mr Heywood. All square at half time interestingly poised.
The second half started with a brief bit of Albion pressure before North End became dominant, the home side were unlucky when Reach caused mayhem doen the left wing before putting in a cross which eventually fell too the feet of Woods, his shot was tipped onto the underside of the bar by Stockdale and cleared too safety. Albion were nearly gifted a goal when Gallagher stray pass found an Albion player who fed the ball to Murphy who was in a good position, but his shot was saved by Kirkland who saved well on his league debut for North End.
Then possibly the strangest decision by a referee I've seen in a long time, Garner and Goldson go for a header, Goldson elbows Garner then goes down screaming in pain, play carries on and Reach puts cross into the Albion area when said referee stops play for an apparent head injury, amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!
Credit to Albion all Hughton's substitutions were positive and they thought they had sneaked a late winner following Kirkland's mistake, luckily an Albion player was offside as the ball hit the net.
Albion will be happy with the result keeps them in the mix at the top of the league, North End still six points from the play offs, still all too play for, interesting to note we have played five of the top six at Deepdale and only Derby have scored against us.

Preston North End 0 Brighton and Hove Albion 0 Att 11881

**St Charles Owl** · 05-03-2016, 21:17

Coincidentally the words "Brighton win" have never been heard at Hillsborough either!!! Good point against the form team of the division. Still leaves you slightly adrift but still within reach if you can go on a run and with it being so tight just above you there will be points lost by most teams on the run in. An outside shot at this stage , but still a shot!!

**themaclad** · (This post was last modified: 06-03-2016, 10:58 by themaclad.)

Preston boss Simon Grayson: "They are a very strong team but off the ball we did very well. The shape was very good and defensively we limited them to few opportunities.

"Second half I thought we were the better team, so I'm disappointed we haven't won it, but two clean sheets against Brighton is a big ask from the players.

"We've got a number of games left now and we'll just keep approaching it as we have over the last few weeks. We want the players to go out and express themselves."

Brighton manager Chris Hughton: "We had a couple of good chances and so did they. On the balance of play I thought we threatened but we didn't retain possession well enough in the areas we needed to.

"They worked very hard and restricted the quality balls we were able to put in. Away from home if you can't play as well as you'd like you've got to make sure not to lose the game.

"Defensively, we were solid again. As a back four we had a fair bit to deal with.

"The only disappointment is that we didn't keep possession well enough and if you don't do that then you make life harder for yourself."

(05-03-2016, 21:17)St Charles Owl Wrote: Coincidentally the words "Brighton win" have never been heard at Hillsborough either!!! Good point against the form team of the division. Still leaves you slightly adrift but still within reach if you can go on a run and with it being so tight just above you there will be points lost by most teams on the run in. An outside shot at this stage , but still a shot!!

I see your lads play them on Tuesday, seen them twice this season still do not rate them as promotion contenders, they are decent when you let them play but if you get in their faces and do not let them play they cannot handle it. They fall down and scream in pain at the mearest touch and do not like the physical approach. Bit of a trek for Wednesday on a Tuesday night though but that is the Football League for you